Particulate foam with other cushioning

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/574,700, filed Nov. 16, 2017, which is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/US2016/053260, filed Sep. 23, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,882, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,873, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,851, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,842, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,832, filed Sep. 24, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/222,816, filed Sep. 24, 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear having particulate foam incorporated with other cushioning.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhancing traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole and/or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper.

Midsoles using polymer foam materials are generally configured as a single slab that compresses resiliently under applied loads, such as during walking or running movements. Generally, single-slab polymer foams are designed with an emphasis on balancing cushioning characteristics that relate to softness and responsiveness as the slab compresses under gradient loads. Polymer foams providing cushioning that is too soft will decrease the compressibility and the ability of the midsole to attenuate ground-reaction forces after repeated compressions. Conversely, polymer foams that are too hard and, thus, very responsive, sacrifice softness, thereby resulting in a loss in comfort. While different regions of a slab of polymer foam may vary in density, hardness, energy return, and material selection to balance the softness and responsiveness of the slab as a whole, creating a single slab of polymer foam that loads in a gradient manner from soft to responsive is difficult to achieve.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole and particulate matter disposed around a base of the projections at the inner surface;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 4 showing projections extending from a bottom surface of a midsole toward an inner surface of an outsole;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 each showing a first series of projections and a second series of projections extending from a bottom surface of a midsole toward an inner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed on the inner surface of the outsole;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole that define honeycomb-shaped compartments for receiving a quantity of particulate matter;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole and terminating at a point of contact with the bottom surface;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 12 showing particulate matter residing within a casing disposed between an outsole and a midsole of a sole structure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 showing particulate matter residing in a casing disposed between an outsole and a midsole of a sole structure when the sole structure is at rest;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 showing particulate matter residing in a casing disposed between an outsole and a midsole of a sole structure when the sole structure if flexed;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a heel region of the article of footwear of FIG. 16 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16 showing particulate matter residing within a cavity of a sole structure;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a forefoot region of the article of footwear of FIG. 16 taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16 showing particulate matter residing within a cavity of a sole structure;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 19 showing a projection plate extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 19 taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19 showing a projection plate extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole and particulate matter residing within apertures extending through the projection plate;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 22 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole and a tufted casing containing particulate matter disposed upon the projections;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22 showing projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole and a tufted casing containing particulate matter disposed on the projections;

FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25 showing a tufted casing containing particulate matter and a cushioning layer received within a cavity and located on projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25 showing a tufted casing containing particulate matter and a cushioning layer received within a cavity and located on projections extending from an inner surface of an outsole toward a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28 showing a sole structure including a cushioning layer disposed on an inner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed between the cushioning layer and a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30 showing a sole structure including a fluid-filled chamber disposed on an inner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed between the fluid-filled chamber and a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 32 taken along line 33-33 showing a sole structure including a fluid-filled chamber disposed on an inner surface of an outsole and particulate matter disposed between the fluid-filled chamber and a bottom surface of a midsole;

FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 34 taken along line 35-35 showing an inner surface of an outsole defining a series of top ridges extending into a cavity toward a bottom surface of a midsole and a tufted casing containing particulate matter disposed on the top ridges of the outsole;

FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 36 taken along line 37-37 showing a tufted casing containing particulate matter and a cushioning layer received within a cavity and located on top ridges defined by an inner surface of an outsole that extend into the cavity toward a bottom surface of a midsole.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

One aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear having an upper and an outsole attached to the upper. A ground-engaging surface and an inner surface are disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. A midsole of the article of footwear has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides of the midsole. The bottom surface of the midsole opposes the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections and a second series of projections that each extend into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other one of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The first series of projections are spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The second series of projections have a different height than the first series of projections and are spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface.

In some examples, when the first and second series of projections extend into the cavity from the inner surface of the outsole, the quantity of particulate matter is disposed around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections. Either or both of the first series of projections and the second series of projections may include a cross-sectional area that decreases in the first direction.

In some implementations, the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. The tapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection opposing the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The first series of projections may be disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole while the second series of projections may be disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. Additionally, the first series of projections may extend farther from the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface than that of the second series of projections. The first series of projections and the second series of projections may optionally be spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavity includes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foam beads may include a substantially spherical shape.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear having an upper and an outsole attached to the upper. A ground-engaging surface and an inner surface are disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. A midsole of the article of footwear has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides of the midsole. The inner surface of the outsole includes a first series of projections and second series of projections each extending in a direction toward the upper and each having a different height. The bottom surface of the midsole opposes the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity. The bottom surface is additionally spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections.

In some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the first series of projections decreases in a direction that extends from the outsole toward the midsole. Additionally, a cross-sectional area of the second series of projections may decrease in a direction that extends from the outsole toward the midsole. In some examples, the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. In these examples, the tapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the bottom surface of the midsole. In some scenarios, the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole, while the second series of projections are disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. In these scenarios, the first series of projections may optionally extend farther from the inner surface of the outsole than the second series of projections. The first series of projections and the second series of projections may optionally be spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavity includes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foam beads may include a substantially spherical shape.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, an article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The bottom surface of the midsole includes a first series of projections extending in a direction away from the upper. The bottom surface also includes a second series of projections extending away from the upper and having a different height than the first series of projections. The article of footwear also includes an outsole that is attached to the upper and includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides of the outsole. The inner surface opposes the bottom surface of the midsole. The inner surface of the outsole and the bottom surface of the midsole cooperate to define a cavity therebetween. A quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity and the inner surface of the outsole is spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections.

In some implementations, a cross-sectional area of the first series of projections decreases in a direction that extends from the midsole toward the outsole. Additionally, a cross-sectional area of the second series of projections may decrease in a direction that extends from the midsole toward the outsole. In some examples, the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface. In these examples, the tapered outer surface may terminate at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the inner surface of the outsole. The first series of projections may optionally oppose a heel portion of the outsole, while the second series of projections may optionally oppose a forefoot portion of the outsole. In one configuration, the first series of projections extend farther from the bottom surface of the midsole than the second series of projections. In some scenarios, the first series of projections and the second series of projections may be spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

In some examples, the particulate matter disposed within the cavity includes foam beads having approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape. In these examples, the foam beads may include a substantially spherical shape.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of making an article of footwear. The method includes providing a cavity between a footbed and an outsole and providing one of the footbed and the outsole with a first series of projections that extend into the cavity in a first direction toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The first series of projections are spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole. The method also includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with a second series of projections that extend into the cavity in the first direction toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The second series of projections are spaced apart from the other one of the footbed and the outsole. The second series of projections has a different height than the first series of projections. The method also includes providing the cavity with a quantity of particulate matter.

In some examples, the method includes providing the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections. In these examples, the quantity of particulate matter is provided around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections.

In some implementations, the method includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections by providing the first series of projections with a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other one of the footbed and the outsole. Optionally, the method includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections by providing the first series of projections and the second series of projections with a constantly tapered outer surface. The method may also include providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections by providing a void between the first series of projections and the second series of projections proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

In some examples, the method includes providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections by providing the first series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole. In these examples, the method may also include extending the first series of projections farther from the one of the footbed and the outsole than the second series of projections.

In some examples, providing the cavity with particulate matter includes providing the cavity with foam beads. Providing the cavity with foam beads may include providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads having a substantially spherical cross-section. Additionally or alternatively, providing the cavity with foam beads may include providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that include approximately the same size and shape or at least one of a different size and shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 attached to the upper 100. The article of footwear 10 may be divided into one or more portions. The portions may include a forefoot portion 12, a mid-foot portion 14, and a heel portion 16. The forefoot portion 12 may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot portion 14 may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel portion 16 may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwear 10 may include lateral and medial sides 18, 20, respectively, corresponding with opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extending through the portions 12, 14, 16.

The upper 100 includes interior surfaces that define an interior void 102 that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure 200. An ankle opening 104 in the heel portion 16 may provide access to the interior void 102. For example, the ankle opening 104 may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void 102 and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void 102. In some examples, one or more fasteners 106 extend along the upper 100 to adjust a fit of the interior void 102 around the foot while concurrently accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper 100 may include apertures such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners 106. The fasteners 106 may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.

The upper 100 may additionally include a tongue portion 110 that extends between the interior void 102 and the fasteners 106. The upper 100 may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void 102. Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort to the foot while disposed within the interior void 102.

In some implementations, the sole structure 200 includes an outsole 210 and a midsole 220 arranged in a layered configuration. The outsole 210 is generally positioned on a bottom surface of the article of footwear 10 to allow the outsole 210 to contact a ground surface during use. The midsole 220 is disposed between the upper 100 and the outsole 210 and provides a degree of cushioning to the foot during use of the article of footwear 10. In some examples, the sole structure 200 may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner, which may reside within the interior void 102 of the upper 100 to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear 10. In some examples, a sidewall 230 separates the outsole 210 and the midsole 220 to define a cavity 240 therebetween. In some implementations, projections 300 extend into the cavity 240 to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 during use of the footwear 10. The projections 300 and the particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240 may cooperate to enhance functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, one or more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate or polyurethane, may form the projections 300 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. The particulate matter 350 may include foam beads having a substantially spherical shape. In some examples, the particulate matter 350 includes foam beads that have approximately the same size and shape. In other examples, the particulate matter 350 includes foam beads having at least one of a different size and shape.

In some examples, the outsole 210 includes a ground-engaging surface 212 and an opposite interior surface 214. The outsole 210 may attach to the upper 100. In some examples, the sidewall 230 extends from the perimeter of the outsole 210 and attaches to the midsole 220 or the upper 100. The example of FIG. 1 shows the outsole 210 attaching to the upper 100 proximate to a tip of the forefoot portion 12. The outsole 210 is generally configured to provide abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole 210 may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at least a portion of the outsole 210.

The midsole 220 may include a bottom surface 222 and a footbed 224 disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 than the bottom surface 222. Stitching 226 or adhesives may secure the midsole 220 to the upper 100. The footbed 224 may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. In some examples, an insole or sockliner may be disposed on the footbed 224 under the foot within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 may oppose the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 to define the cavity 240 therebetween.

The midsole 220 may be formed from a flexible material to allow the midsole 220 to conform to and react with the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240. In so doing, the flexible midsole 220 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200. Providing the midsole 220 with the ability to flex during use of the article of footwear 10 allows the midsole 220 to conform to the surface profile of the bottom of the foot when compressed in response to a ground-reaction force which, in turn, allows the foot to experience a soft-type cushioning afforded by the compressibility of the particulate matter 350. In some examples, the sidewall 230 may define a perimeter of the cavity 240 as well as a depth of the cavity 240 based on a length of separation between the bottom surface 222 and the inner surface 214. One or more polymer foam materials may form the sidewall 230 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces.

FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 showing the projections 300 extending in a direction from the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 toward the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. In this implementation, the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) residing within the cavity 240 may be disposed around each of the projections 300 proximate to the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210. In some examples, the projections 300 are arranged in repeating rows and each projection 300 is equally spaced from adjacent projections 300. In other examples, the projections 300 are arranged in alternating repeating rows to restrict movement or migration of the particulate matter 300.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 shows the projections 300 extending in the direction from the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 toward the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. In the example of FIG. 3, arrow 302 denotes the direction from the outsole 210 toward the midsole 220. In some implementations, the projections 300 include a first series of projections 310 and a second series of projections 320 each extending in the first direction from the inner surface 214 (outsole 210) toward the bottom surface 222 (midsole 222). The first series of projections 310 may be disposed proximate to the heel portion 16 of the outsole 210 while the second series of projections 320 may be disposed proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 16. In some examples, the first series of projections 310 are separated from the second series of projections 320 by a void 330. The example of FIG. 3 shows the void 330 located at or proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of the outsole 210 to separate the first series of projections 310 disposed proximate the heel portion 16 from the second series of projections 320 disposed proximate the forefoot portion 12. The first series of projections 310 may include a corresponding base 312 and a corresponding rounded, distal end 314. Likewise, the second series of projections 310 may include a corresponding base 322 and a corresponding rounded, distal end 324. The quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) may be dispersed and disposed around the corresponding bases 312, 322 of the first and second series of projections 310, 320, respectively.

In some implementations, each projection of the first series of projections 310 includes a cross-sectional area that decreases as the projections 310 extend from the base 312 toward the rounded, distal end 314 (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 310 decreases in the first direction). Additionally or alternatively, each projection of the second series of projections 320 may include a cross-sectional area that decreases as the projections 320 extend from the base 322 toward the rounded, distal end 324 (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 320 decreases in the first direction). In some examples, the first and second series of projections 310, 320 include a constantly tapered outer surface extending between the bases 312, 322 and the distal ends 314, 324. In the example shown, the tapered outer surface of each projection 310, 320 terminates at its corresponding rounded, distal end 314, 324.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the tapered outer surface of the projections 310, 320 defining valleys between adjacent projections 310, 320 for receiving, or otherwise, housing the particulate matter 350. The distal ends 314, 324 may oppose the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. The tapering and decreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 310, 320 may restrict migration or movement of the particulate matter 350 near the bases 312, 322 while permitting some movement or migration of the particulate matter 350 near the distal ends 314, 324. Conversely, the void 330 may restrict all migration of particulate matter 350 between the forefoot portion 12 and the heel portion 16 of the sole structure 200.

In addition to controlling migration of the particulate matter 350, the tapering and decreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 300 also controls compressibility of the projections 300. Controlling the compressibility of the projections 300 dictates the responsiveness of the cushioning at the corresponding forefoot and heel portions 12 and 16 (and/or the mid-foot portion 14). For example, smaller loads applied to the tip or distal ends 314, 324 of the projections 300 more easily compresses the projections 300 at the tips, as the cross-sectional area of the projections 300 at the tips is relatively small. The remainder of the projections 300 will only compress when a sufficient load is applied to each projection 300 to compress the wider, bases 312, 322 of the projections 300. Accordingly, the projections 300 provide a gradient cushioning affect that increases the degree of compressibility as the applied load increases. If the particulate matter 350 is only disposed proximate to the bases 312, 322 of the projections, the particulate matter 350 will only add to the cushioning affect when a sufficient load is applied to the projections 300 to compress the projections a predetermined amount (i.e., such that the projections 300 are compressed in a direction opposite to direction 302). Conversely, if a sufficient quantity of particulate matter 350 is disposed within the cavity 240 such that the particulate matter 350 extends between the distal ends 314, 324 and the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220, any force that deflects the midsole 220 will cause compressibility of the particulate matter 350 within the cavity 240. Such forces may case the particulate matter 350 to migrate or otherwise move relative to and within the cavity 240 and, in so doing, transfer the applied load to the projections 300 at the distal ends 314, 324.

In some implementations, the projections 310, 320 extending from the outsole 210 (e.g., inner surface 214) are spaced apart from the midsole 220 (e.g., bottom surface 222). In other words, a gap may exist between the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220 and the distal ends 314, 324 opposing the bottom surface 222. In these implementations, the projections 310, 320 are spaced from the midsole 220 when the sole structure 200 is not under an applied load and is at rest. Compressing the sole structure 200, however, may cause the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220, in cooperation with the particulate matter 350, to translate toward the outsole 210 and into contact with one or more of the projections 310, 320. In other implementations, the projections 310, 320 are in contact with the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220 even when the sole structure 200 is not under load. In other words, the distal ends 314, 324 oppose and contact the bottom surface 222 of the midsole 220. In some examples, a portion of either of the distal ends 314, 324 may contact the bottom surface 222 while the remaining portion of the distal ends 314, 324 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 222 when the sole structure 200 is at rest. Compressibility by the projections 310, 320 may provide a responsive-type cushioning.

A distance between the inner surface 214 of the outsole 210 and the distal ends 314 defines a height of the first series of projections 310. Likewise, a distance between the inner surface 214 and the distal ends 324 defines a height of the second series of projections 320. Alternatively, the height of the projections 310, 320 may be obtained based on a distance between the distal ends 314, 324 and the corresponding bases 312, 322. In some examples, the height of the first series of projections 310 is different than the height of the second series of projections 320. For example, FIG. 3 shows the first series of projections 310 having a greater height (e.g., corresponding distal ends 314 extend farther from the inner surface 214) compared to the second series of projections 320. The height (and tapering) of the projections 300 effectuates the ability to disperse the particulate matter 350. For example, the heel portion 16 permits a greater quantity of particulate matter 350 to be disposed at the base 312 than in the forefoot portion 12 due to the first series of projections 310 extending further from the inner surface 214 (e.g., greater height) compared to the second series of projections 320. While the examples herein show the height being uniform for each of the first series of projections 310 and the corresponding height being uniform for each of the second series of projections 320, in some configurations, the heights of individual ones of either of the series of projections 310, 320 may vary.

The examples of FIGS. 1-3 show that the geometry (e.g., height, tapering, cross-sectional area) and the arrangement of the first and second projections 310, 320 extending into the cavity 240 effectuates the dispersion of particulate matter 350 and allows for cushioning from soft to responsive during gradient loading of the sole structure 200, such as during a walking or a running movement. For example, increasing the level of soft cushioning may be more desirable at the heel portion 16 due to an initial impact of a ground-reaction force occurring at the heel portion 16. Accordingly, a higher ratio of particulate matter 350 may reside at the heel portion 16 by extending the first series of projections 310 further from the inner surface 214. In this example, the quantity of particulate matter 350 may provide the level of soft-type cushioning during the initial impact of the ground-reaction force while compressibility of the projections 310, 320 may occur after the initial impact to provide responsive-type cushioning.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 a includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 a attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 a may include an outsole 210 a and a midsole 220 a arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 a therebetween. The outsole 210 a includes an interior surface 214 a disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 a than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 a includes a bottom surface 222 a disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 a than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 a opposes the inner surface 214 a to define the cavity 240 a therebetween. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 a and the inner surface 214 a to define a depth of the cavity 240 a.

In some implementations, projections 300 a extend into the cavity 240 a to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a during use of the footwear 10 a. The projections 300 a may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. FIG. 5 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 a showing the projections 300 a extending in a direction from the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a toward the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a. In this implementation, the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) may be disposed and layered on the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a to reside within the cavity 240 a around each of the projections 300 a that extend from the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a. In some examples, the projections 300 a are arranged in repeating rows and each projection 300 a is equally spaced apart from adjacent projections 300 a. In other examples, the projections 300 a are arranged in alternating repeating rows to restrict movement or migration of particulate matter 350. The midsole 220 a may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 a with sufficient flexibility. Providing the midsole 220 a with flexibility allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a around the projections 300 a to provide the foot with cushioning when the midsole 220 and, thus, the projections 300 a are deflected during loading of the sole structure 200 a.

In some examples, one or more dividers 332 a, 334 a partially extend into the cavity 240 from the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a. The dividers 332 a, 334 a extend between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and include ends terminating at the sidewall 230. The dividers 332 a, 334 a may cooperate with one or more of the projections 300 a to restrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350 between divided regions or portions of the cavity 240. In some examples, a first divider 332 a is located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of the outsole 210 a. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, a second divider 334 a is located proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 210 a. FIG. 5 shows a forefoot region 512 disposed to the right of the second divider 334 a, a mid-foot region 514 extending between the first and second dividers 332 a, 334 a, and a heel region 516 disposed to the left of the first divider 332 a.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 and show the projections 300 a extending in the direction from the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a toward the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210. In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, arrow 602 denotes the direction from the midsole 220 a toward the outsole 210 a. In some implementations, the projections 300 a include a first series of projections 310 a and a second series of projections 320 a each extending in the direction of arrow 602. The first series of projections 310 a may be disposed proximate to the heel portion 16 of the outsole 210 a while the second series of projections 320 a may be disposed proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 210 a.

In some examples, the first series of projections 310 a are separated from the second series of projections 320 a by a void 330 a. As shown in FIG. 6, the first divider 332 a extends from the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a into the void 330 a in an area of a third series of projections 340 a. The third series of projections 340 a are located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 and extend in the direction from the bottom surface 222 a toward the inner surface 214 a. The third series of projections 340 a may cooperate with the first divider 332 a within the void 330 a to restrict migration of the particulate matter 350 within the cavity 240 a in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 10. Specifically, the third series of projections 340 a are arranged between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 in parallel with the first divider 332 a and may contact the first divider 332 a to substantially contain the particulate matter 350 in corresponding regions 514 or 516 (FIG. 6). Alternatively, a gap may separate the projections 340 a and the first divider 332 a to permit some migration of particulate matter 350 across the gap proximate to the divider 332 a (FIG. 7) between the mid-foot region 514 and the heel region 516. Similarly, FIGS. 6 and 7 both show a gap existing between the second divider 334 a and the second series of projections 320 a, thereby permitting some migration of particulate matter 350 between the forefoot region 512 and the mid-foot region 514 of the sole structure 200 a.

Similar to the projections 300 in the example of FIG. 3, the first series of projections 310 a may include a corresponding base 312 a and a corresponding rounded, distal end 314 a. Likewise, the second series of projections 320 a may include a corresponding base 322 a and a corresponding rounded, distal end 324 a. In some implementations, the first series of projections 310 a includes a cross-sectional area that decreases as the projections 310 a extend from the base 312 a toward the rounded, distal end 314 a (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 310 a decreases in the direction of arrow 602). Additionally or alternatively, each projection of the second series of projections 320 a may include a cross-sectional area that decreases as the projections 320 a extend from the base 322 a toward the rounded, distal end 324 a (e.g., the cross-sectional area of the projections 320 a decreases in the direction of arrow 602). In some examples, the first and second series of projections 310 a, 320 a include a constantly tapered outer surface extending between the bases 312 a, 322 a and the distal ends 314 a, 324 a. The examples of FIGS. 6 and 7 show the tapered outer surface of each projection 310 a, 320 a terminating at its corresponding rounded, distal end 314 a, 324 a. The distal ends 314 a, 324 a may oppose the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a. The tapered and decreasing cross-sectional area of the projections 310 a, 320 a may restrict migration or movement of the particulate matter 350 near the bases 312 a, 322 a while permitting some movement or migration of the particulate matter 350 through the cavity 240 near the distal ends 314 a, 324 a. The void 330 a, however, may restrict all migration of particulate matter 350 between the forefoot portion 12 and the heel portion 16 of the sole structure 200 a if the third projections 340 a contact the first divider 332 a, which essentially forms a wall that extends across the article of footwear 10 between the lateral side 18 and the medial side 20. This wall may be formed by providing the third projections 340 a with a sufficient width such that adjacent projections 340 a are in contact with one another in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 10, thereby creating a continuous wall that extends between the lateral side 18 and the medial side 20.

In addition to controlling migration of the particulate matter 350, the tapered and decreasing cross-sectional area may also control compressibility of the projections 300 a to dictate how soft and how responsive the cushioning is at the corresponding forefoot and heel portions 12 and 16 (and/or the mid-foot portion 14). The tapered, outer surface of the projections 310 a, 320 a defines valleys between adjacent projections 310 a, 320 a for receiving, or otherwise, housing the particulate matter 350. For example, and with reference to FIG. 6, the quantity of particulate matter 350 fills the valleys of the cavity 240 between the projections 310 a, 320 a and the inner surface 214 a. In these examples, the distal ends 314 a, 324 a, the bases 312, 322, and the inner surface 214 a cooperate to compress the particulate matter 350 to attenuate a ground-reaction force under gradient loading of the sole structure 200 a.

In other examples, and with reference to FIG. 7, a smaller quantity of particulate matter 350 is dispersed within the cavity 240 a than in the example of FIG. 6, thereby resulting in no particulate matter 350 within portions of the valleys proximate to the corresponding bases 322 a, 324 a. In these examples, the particulate matter 350 compresses in response to a ground-reaction force by the distal ends 314 a, 324 a cooperating with the interior surface 214 a. As the particulate matter 350 compresses, the partially empty valleys between adjacent projections 310 a, 320 a permit the particulate matter 350 to shift and occupy previously un-occupied space within the cavity 240 a.

The projections 310 a, 320 a extending from the midsole 220 a (e.g., bottom surface 222 a) may be separated from the outsole 210 a (e.g., inner surface 214 a). For example, a gap may exist between the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a and the distal ends 314 a, 324 a that oppose the inner surface 214 a when the sole structure 200 a is not under an applied load. However, one or more of the distal ends 314 a, 324 a may contact the inner surface 214 a as corresponding projections 310 a, 310 b translate in unison with the midsole 220 a as the particulate matter 350 compresses under gradient loading. Here, the projections 310 a, 320 a may compress while contacting the inner surface 214 a during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 a. As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-type cushioning while compressibility by the projections 300 a may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the projections 300 a and the particulate matter 350 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the projections 300 a are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 performs). In some configurations, the midsole 220 a, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the base 312 a of the first series of projections 310 a and/or the base 322 a of the second series of projections 320 a. In these configurations, a flat surface of at least one of the bases 312 a, 322 a opposite the distal ends 314 a, 324 a and opposing the bottom surface of the foot may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a to provide the foot with cushioning during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 a as the projections 310 a and/or 320 a move toward the particulate matter 350.

The distance between the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a and the distal ends 314 a defines a height of the first series of projections 310 a and the distance between the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 a and the distal ends 324 a defines a height of the second series of projections 320 a. Alternatively, the height of the projections 310 a, 320 a may be obtained based on a distance between the distal ends 314 a, 324 a and the corresponding bases 312 a, 322 a. In some examples, the height of the first series of projections 310 a is different than the height of the second series of projections 320 a. For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the first series of projections 310 a having a greater height (e.g., corresponding distal ends 314 a extend farther from the bottom surface 222 a) compared to the second series of projections 320 a. The height (and tapering) of the projections 300 a effectuates the quantity of the particulate matter 350 permitted to reside within the cavity 240 a. For example, the heel portion 16 permits a greater quantity of particulate matter 350 than in the forefoot portion 12 due to the first series of projections 310 a extending further from the bottom surface 222 a (e.g., greater height) compared to the second series of projections 320 a. While the examples herein show the height being uniform for each of the first series of projections 310 a and the corresponding height being uniform for each of the second series of projections 320 a, in some scenarios, the heights of the projections 300 a may vary among individual projections of either one of the first and second series of projections 310 a, 320 a.

The examples of FIGS. 4-7 show that the geometry (e.g., height, tapering, cross-sectional area) and the arrangement of the first and second projections 310 a, 320 a extending into the cavity 240 a effectuate the dispersion of particulate matter 350 and allow for cushioning from soft to responsive during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 a, such as during a walking or a running movement. For example, increasing the level of soft-type cushioning may be more desirable at the heel portion 16 than at the forefoot portion 12 due to an initial impact of a ground-reaction force occurring at the heel portion 16. Accordingly, a greater quantity of particulate matter 350 may reside at the heel portion 16 by extending the first series of projections 310 a further from the bottom surface 222 a. In this example, the quantity of particulate matter 350 may provide the level of soft-type cushioning during the initial impact of the ground-reaction force while compressibility of the projections 310 a, 320 a may occur after the initial impact to provide the level of responsive-type cushioning. Moreover, the quantity of particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a may vary to increase or decrease the level of soft-type cushioning when the footwear 10 a is worn.

The quantity of particulate matter 350 may be expressed as a ratio of particulate matter 350 to un-occupied space in the cavity 240 a. For example, by filling all valleys of the cavity 240 a between the projections 310 a, 320 a and the interior surface 214 a of the outsole 210 a with particulate matter 350 (FIG. 6), the level of soft-type cushioning increases to attenuate a ground-reaction force under loading of the sole structure 200 a while the shifting of the particulate matter 350 is also limited due to the lack of un-occupied space. In contrast, by dispersing a lower quantity of particulate matter 350 within the cavity 240 a, to provide a lower ratio of the particulate matter 350 to un-occupied space (FIG. 7), the level of soft-type cushioning decreases during gradient loading while the particulate matter 350 is also permitted to shift into and occupy the previously un-occupied space within the cavity 240 a as the particulate matter 350 and the projections 310 a, 320 a compress. The ability for the particulate matter 350 to shift to previously un-occupied space in the cavity 240 a may dynamically provide soft-type cushioning to various regions or portions of the sole structure 200 a based on the magnitude of the ground-reaction force and a direction at which the ground-reaction force is applied.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 b includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 b attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 b, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 b may include an outsole 210 b and a midsole 220 b arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 b therebetween. The outsole 210 b includes an inner surface 214 b disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 b than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 b includes a bottom surface 222 b disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 b than a footbed 224 b. The sole structure 200 b may further include an insole 228 (FIGS. 10 and 11) disposed on the footbed 224 b under the foot within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 b opposes the inner surface 214 b to define the cavity 240 b and the sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 b and the inner surface 214 b to define a depth of the cavity 240 b.

In some implementations, projections 300 b extend into the cavity 240 b to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 b during use of the footwear 10 b. The projections 300 b may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300, 300 a of FIGS. 1-7 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. FIG. 9 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 b showing the projections 300 b extending in a direction from the inner surface 214 b of the outsole 210 b toward the bottom surface 222 b of the midsole 220 b and arranged in a pattern across the inner surface 214 b to define multiple honeycomb-shaped compartments 902.

In some examples, a divider 334 b may extend partially into the cavity 240 b from the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210. The divider 334 b may restrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350 between specified regions or portions within the cavity 240 b of the sole structure 200 b. For example, a forefoot region 912 is located to the right of the divider 334 b relative to the view shown in FIG. 10 while the projections 300 b are located to the left of the divider 334 b relative to the view shown in FIG. 10. The examples of FIGS. 9-11 show the divider 334 b as being located proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the outsole 210. While the divider 334 b is shown as being located proximate to the forefoot portion 12, one or more other dividers may additionally or alternatively be located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 and/or the heel portion 16 of the outsole 210 b.

The projections 300 b defining the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 may receive a portion of the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) at the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16 of the sole structure 200 b (e.g., to the left of the divider 334 b). Likewise, a remaining portion of the quantity of particulate matter 350 may be disposed and layered on the inner surface 214 b to reside within the cavity 240 b at the forefoot region 912 of the sole structure 200 b (e.g., to the right of the divider 334 b relative to the view shown in FIG. 10). Accordingly, the projections 300 b and the particulate matter 350 may cooperate to provide a combination of soft—and response-type cushioning at the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16 while the particulate matter 350 provides soft-type cushioning in the forefoot region 912 at the forefoot portion 12 during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 b. The midsole 220 b may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 b with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 b.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 showing the projections 300 b extending in the direction from the inner surface 214 a of the outsole 210 b toward the bottom surface 222 a of the midsole 220 b. In some examples, the projections 300 b may extend from a projection base 900 opposing and contacting the inner surface 214 b of the outsole 210 b. In the examples of FIGS. 9 and 10, arrow 302 denotes the direction from the outsole 210 b toward the midsole 220 b. In some examples, the size and volume of one or more of the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 is different to provide different levels of cushioning from soft to responsive. In some examples, the projections 300 b and the projection base 900 are part of a single component disposed within the cavity 240 b located on the inner surface 214 b. In implementations omitting the projection base 900, the projections 300 b may be part of a single component 240 b disposed on the inner surface 214 b. In other examples, the projections 300 b are integrally formed with the outsole 210 b and extend from the inner surface 214 b.

Referring to FIG. 10, the projections 300 b are shown as extending in the direction of the arrow 302 from the projection base 900 (or the inner surface 214 b if the base 900 is omitted) toward the bottom surface 222 b and as terminating at a point of contact with the bottom surface 222 b. The quantity of particulate matter 350 resides between the inner surface 214 b and the bottom surface 222 b at the forefoot portion 12 and within the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 defined by the projections 300 b in the mid-foot at heel portions 14, 16 of the sole structure 200 b. In the example of FIG. 10, each compartment 902 restricts the particulate matter 350 residing therein from migrating or shifting to adjacent compartments 902. In some scenarios, under gradient loading of the sole structure 200 b, the projections 300 b compress to provide response-type cushioning and the particulate matter 350 compresses to provide soft-type cushioning to attenuate ground-reaction forces.

In other examples, referring to FIG. 11, the projections 300 b extend in the direction of the arrow 302 from the projection base 900 (or the inner surface 214 b if the base 900 is omitted) toward the bottom surface 222 b and terminate at corresponding distal ends 314 b without contacting the bottom surface 222 b of the midsole 220 b when the sole structure 200 b is at rest. Thus, a gap separates the distal ends 314 b and the bottom surface 222 b of the midsole 220 b. While the particulate matter 350 resides in the cavity 240 b at the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions 12, 14, 16, respectively, when the sole structure 200 b is at rest and not under load, the particulate matter 350 residing in the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 may migrate over the distal ends 314 b via the gaps to adjacent compartments when the sole structure 200 b is under load. In other words, under gradient loading of the sole structure 200 b, the particulate matter 350 initially compresses between the bottom surface 222 b, the inner surface 214 b, and the projections 300 b to provide an initial soft-type cushioning to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Thereafter, the compressing particulate matter 350 causes the midsole 220 b to translate in a direction opposite the arrow 302 toward the inner surface 214 b and into contact with the distal ends 314 b of the projections 300 b. As the midsole translates 220 b, but before the bottom surface 222 b contacts the distal ends 314 b, the portion of the particulate matter 350 residing within one or more of the compartments 902 may migrate to adjacent compartments 902 based on a magnitude and direction of the ground-reaction force.

Compressing the projections 300 b by the translating the midsole 220 b provides responsive-type cushioning after the initial soft-type cushioning provided by the particulate matter 350 to further attenuate ground-reaction forces. Migration of the particulate matter 350 between the honeycomb-shaped compartments 902 effectuates how the soft-type and responsive-type cushioning is distributed during gradient-loading. The divider 334 b, however, restricts migration of particulate matter 350 into and out of the forefoot region 912 that resides below the divider 334 b. Moreover, the magnitude and direction of the ground-reaction force applied to the sole structure 200 b may dictate how and if the particulate matter 350 will migrate over the distal ends 314 b of the projections 300 b via the gaps. In some configurations, the midsole 220 b, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 b. In these configurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 b to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 b.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 c includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 c attached to the upper 100. FIG. 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the footwear 10 c. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 c, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 c may include an outsole 210 c and a midsole 220 c arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 c therebetween. The outsole 210 c includes an inner surface 214 c disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 c than a ground-engaging surface 212 c. The midsole 220 c includes a bottom surface 222 c disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 c than the footbed 224 b. The sole structure 200 c may further include an insole 228 (FIGS. 14 and 15) disposed on the footbed 224 b under the foot within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 c opposes the inner surface 214 c to define the cavity 240 c and the sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 c and the inner surface 214 c to define a depth of the cavity 240 c.

In some implementations, the particulate matter 350 is received within a casing 1350 and the cavity 240 c receives the casing 1350. In some configurations, the casing 1350 is flexible and may be transparent or opaque. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the article of footwear 12 c showing the particulate matter 350 residing within the transparent casing 1350. The casing 1350 includes a bottom surface 1352 and a top surface 1354 that define a volume for receiving and storing a quantity of the particulate matter 350. The casing 1350 may be disposed on the inner surface 214 c of the outsole 210 c, while the perimeter of the casing 1350 may be enclosed by the sidewall 230. That is, the bottom surface 1352 opposes and rests on the inner surface 214 c and the top surface 1354 opposes the bottom surface 222 c of the midsole 220 c while the sidewall 230 encloses the casing 1350. In some examples, the depth of the casing 1350 extending from the inner surface 214 c toward the midsole 220 c is less than a depth of the cavity 240 c defined by the sidewall 230 separating the outsole 210 c and the midsole 220 c. The volume of the casing 1350 may be substantially filled with layers of the particulate matter 350, thereby resulting in the casing 1350 being substantially firm. The midsole 220 c may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 c with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the casing 1350 and residing in the cavity 240 c to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 c.

In some examples, the casing 1350 has one or more dividers 332 c, 334 c, 336 c extending between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and also from the bottom surface 1352 toward the top surface 1354 of the casing 1350. The dividers 332 c-336 c may also be referred to as projections. One divider 332 c may be located proximate to the mid-foot portion 14 of the sole structure 200 c, another divider 334 c may be located proximate to the forefoot portion 12 of the sole structure 200 c, and another divider 336 c may be located proximate to the heel portion 16 of the sole structure 200 c. In some configurations, a toe region 1300 of the casing 1350 is formed to the right of the divider 334 c relative to the view shown in FIG. 14, a forefoot region 1302 is formed between the dividers 332 c and 334 c, a mid-foot region 1304 is formed between the dividers 332 c and 336 c, and a heel region 1306 is formed to the left of the divider 336 c relative to the view shown in FIG. 14. The dividers 332 c, 334 c, 336 c may restrict or manipulate migration of the particulate matter 350 between the adjoining regions 1300-1306. Moreover, different quantities of particulate matter 350 may reside within the corresponding regions 1300-1306 to provide a desired level of soft-type cushioning as well as to assist in facilitating migration of particulate matter 350 between prescribed adjoining regions during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 c.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 showing the casing 1350 filled with the particulate matter 350 and residing within the cavity 240 c between the midsole 220 c and the outsole 210 c. More specifically, FIGS. 14 and 15 show the ground-engaging surface 212 c of the outsole 210 c engaging a ground surface 2 when the sole structure 200 c is not under load (FIG. 14) and when the sole structure 200 c is under load (FIG. 15). The examples show the bottom surface 1352 of the casing 1350 protruding toward the top surface 1354 at corresponding locations to form the dividers 332 c-336 c extending toward the top surface 1354. In some examples, the dividers 332 c-336 c terminate within the casing 1350 and gaps separate the top surface 1354 and the dividers 332 c-336 c. These gaps allow some particulate matter 350 to migrate between adjoining regions 1300-1306 of the casing 1350 during use of the article of footwear 10. Conversely, other configurations may include one or more of the dividers 332 c-336 c terminating at a corresponding point of contact with the top surface 1354 to prevent any migration between adjoining regions 1300-1306 separated by dividers 332 c-336 c in contact with the top surface 1354.

In some implementations, the outsole 210 c defines a series of grooves 442, 444, 446 extending between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 and also extending in a direction toward the midsole 220 c. Each groove 442, 444, 446 bends and curves in the direction toward the midsole 220 c and is contoured to correspond to respective ones of the dividers 332 c, 334 c, 336 c. In some examples, the grooves 442-444 are flexible to form corresponding flexion regions that enhance the ability of the outsole 210 c to flex, bend, or otherwise deform, when the sole structure 200 c is under load, such as during walking, running or jumping. For example, FIG. 15 shows the groove 442 flexing to bend the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16 of the sole structure 200 c about the groove 442 and off of the ground surface 2 when a load is applied to the sole structure 200 c, such as during a walking or running stride. In this example, particulate matter 350 residing in the mid-foot region 1304 above the divider 332 c may shift or migrate into the forefoot region 1302 and/or particulate matter 350 residing in the heel region 1304 above divider 336 c may shift or migrate into the mid-foot region 1304. In addition to soft-type cushioning provided by compressing the particulate matter 350, the casing 1350 may include rigidity characteristics to provide responsive-type cushioning when the sole structure 200 c compresses. In some configurations, the midsole 220 c and the insole 228, or portions thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the top surface 1354 of the casing 1350. In these configurations, the top surface 1354 of the casing 1350 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 c to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 c.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 d includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 d attached to the upper 100. FIG. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the footwear 10 d. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 d, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 d may include an outsole 210 d and a midsole 220 d arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 d therebetween. The outsole 210 d includes an inner surface 214 d disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 d than a ground-engaging surface 212 d. The outsole 210 d may define the series of grooves 442, 444, 446 (FIGS. 14 and 15) that extend between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20 within the cavity 240 d to form the toe, forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions 1300, 1302, 1304, 1306, respectively. In some implementations, the outsole 210 d further defines one or more closed grooves 1400, 1402, 1404, 1406 located within corresponding ones of the regions 1300, 1302, 1304, 1306. A closed groove refers to a groove having one or more sides closed at its ends to form a loop fully- or partially enclosing an interior region within the cavity 240 d. The interior regions formed by the corresponding grooves 1400-1406 may include the same or different shapes, such as polygonal shapes (e.g., rectangular or trapezoidal) or elliptical shapes. FIG. 16 shows the toe region 1300 having two closed grooves 1400 symmetrically arranged, the forefoot region 1302 having closed groove 1402, the mid-foot region 1304 having closed groove 1404, and the heel region 1306 having closed groove 1406. Each closed groove 1400-1406 may extend into the cavity 240 d in a direction toward the midsole 220 d, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The midsole 220 d includes a bottom surface 222 d disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 c than a footbed 224 d and may be integrally formed with the outsole 210 d. The sole structure 200 d may further include an insole 228 disposed on the footbed 224 b within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 d opposes the inner surface 214 d to define the cavity 240 d. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 d and the inner surface 214 d to define a depth of the cavity 240 d and, as with the midsole 222 d, may be integrally formed with the outsole 210 d.

In some implementations, the particulate matter 350 resides within the cavity 240 d between the inner surface 214 d of the outsole 210 d, the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d, and the sidewall(s) 230. In contrast to the examples of FIGS. 12-15, no casing is used to enclose the particulate matter 350. Instead, the particulate matter 350 fills some or all of the volume of the cavity 240 d. Referring to FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view of the heel region 1306 taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16 shows the closed groove 1406 and the particulate matter 350 residing within the cavity 240 d of the sole structure 200 d. In some examples, the outsole 210 d bends and tapers into the cavity 240 d in a direction toward the midsole 220 d to form the closed groove 1406. In other examples, the outsole 210 d bends or curves without tapering into the cavity 240 d. The closed groove 1406 defines a divider 368 located proximate to the lateral side 18 and a divider 370 located proximate to the medial side 20. A lateral peripheral region 1718 is formed between the divider 368 and the sidewall 230 at the lateral side 18, a medial peripheral region 1720 is formed between the divider 370 and the sidewall 230 at the medial side 20, and an interior region 1722 is formed between the dividers 368, 370 (e.g., the interior region 1722 is enclosed by the closed groove 1406). Particulate matter 350 may reside in the cavity 240 d at each of the regions 1718, 1720, 1722. In some implementations, the dividers 368, 370 extend into the cavity 240 d from the outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate without contacting the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d. That is, the distal ends of the dividers 368, 370 and the bottom surface 222 d are separated by a corresponding gap. The corresponding gaps separating the dividers 368, 370 and the bottom surface 222 d may permit the particulate matter 350 residing in the regions 1718, 1720, 1722 to migrate to adjoining regions via the gaps during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 d. In other implementations, the dividers 368, 370 extend into the cavity 240 d from the outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate at a point of contact with the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d, thereby preventing the particulate matter 350 from migrating between adjoining regions 1718, 1720, 1722 that are divided and isolated by the dividers 368, 370 in contact with the bottom surface 222 d. The midsole 220 d may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 d with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 d to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 d.

Referring to FIG. 18, a partial cross-sectional view of the forefoot region 1302 taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16 shows the closed groove 1402 and the particulate matter 350 residing within the cavity 240 d of the sole structure 200 d. In some examples, the outsole 210 d bends and tapers into the cavity 240 d in a direction toward the midsole 220 d to form the closed groove 1402. In other examples, the outsole 210 d bends or curves without tapering into the cavity 240 d. The closed groove 1402 defines a divider 468 located proximate to the lateral side 18 and a divider 470 located proximate to the medial side 20. A lateral peripheral region 1818 is formed between the divider 468 and the sidewall 230 at the lateral side 18, a medial peripheral region 1820 is formed between the divider 470 and the sidewall 230 at the medial side 20, and an interior region 1822 is formed between the dividers 468, 470 (e.g., the interior region 1822 is enclosed between the closed groove 1402).

Particulate matter 350 may reside in the cavity 240 d at each of the regions 1818, 1820, 1822. In some implementations, the dividers 468, 470 extend into the cavity 240 d from the outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate without contacting the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d. That is, the distal ends of the dividers 468, 470 and the bottom surface 222 d are separated by a corresponding gap. The corresponding gaps separating the dividers 468, 470 and the bottom surface 222 d may permit the particulate matter 350 residing in the regions 1818, 1820, 1822 to migrate to adjoining regions via the gaps during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 d. In other implementations, the dividers 468, 470 extend into the cavity 240 d from the outsole 210 d and have distal ends that terminate at a point of contact with the bottom surface 222 d of the midsole 220 d, thereby preventing the particulate matter 350 from migrating between adjoining regions 1818, 1820, 1822 that are divided and isolated by the dividers 468, 470 in contact with the bottom surface 222 d. The closed grooves 1400 and 1404 may be configured similarly to the closed grooves 1402 and 1406 discussed in the implementations above. In some configurations, the midsole 220 d, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 d. In these configurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 d to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 d.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, an article of footwear 10 e is provided and includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 e attached to the upper 100. FIG. 19 shows a bottom perspective view of the footwear 10 e. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 e, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 e may include an outsole 210 e and a midsole 220 e arranged in the layered configuration and defining the cavity 240 e therebetween. The outsole 210 e includes an inner surface 214 e disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 e than the ground-engaging surface 212 e. The midsole 220 e includes a bottom surface 222 e disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 e than a footbed 224 e. The sole structure 200 e may further include an insole 228 disposed on the footbed 224 e within at least a portion of the interior void 102 of the upper 100. The bottom surface 222 e opposes the inner surface 214 e to define the cavity 240 e and the sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 e and the inner surface 214 e to define a depth of the cavity 240 e.

In some implementations, a projection plate 300 e extends into the cavity 240 e to control migration of the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 e during use of the footwear 10 e. FIG. 20 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 e showing the projection plate 300 e extending in a direction of the arrow 302 from the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e toward the bottom surface 222 e of the midsole 220 e. The projection plate 300 e, the midsole 220 e, and the outsole 210 e extend around a perimeter of the sole structure 200 e and have a shape that generally corresponds with an outline of the foot. More particularly, the projection plate 300 e, the midsole 220 e, and the outsole 210 e extend from the forefoot portion 12 to the heel portion 16 and also from the lateral side 18 to the medial side 20. Apertures 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 extend between the surfaces of the projection plate 300 e to form openings that expose portions of the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e. The surfaces of the projection plate 300 e may be contoured to conform to the shape of the bottom surface of the foot. One of the apertures 2000 is primarily located in the forefoot portion 12, while another aperture 2002 is located in the forefoot portion 12 and extends into the mid-foot portion 14. Aperture 2004 is located in the mid-foot and heel portions 14, 16, and aperture 2006 is primarily located in the heel portion 16 and at a position that corresponds with a calcaneus bone of the foot. That is, the aperture 2006 in the heel portion 16 is generally located to correspond with the heel of the foot.

Each of the apertures 2000-2006 correspond to receptacles enclosed by interior walls of the projection plate 300 e to receive and store a corresponding quantity of the particulate matter 350. A distance the projection plate 300 e extends from the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e toward the bottom surface 222 e of the midsole 220 e defines a depth of the apertures/receptacles 2000-2006. In some examples, the projection plate 300 e partially extends into the cavity 240 e from the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e, permitting particulate matter 350 residing above projection plate (e.g., outside of the apertures 2000-2006) to migrate through the cavity 240 e to adjoining portions 12, 14, 16 of the sole structure 200 e. In other examples, the projection plate 300 e extends through the cavity 240 e from the inner surface 214 e and into contact with the bottom surface 222 e of the midsole 220 e to close off the apertures 2000-2006, thereby restricting particulate matter 350 residing within the apertures 2000-2006 from migrating or shifting away.

The projection plate 300 e may be formed from a diverse range of materials that include polymers, for example. Suitable polymers include polyester, thermoset urethane, thermoplastic urethane, various nylon formulations, rubber, polyether block amide, polybutylene terephthalate, or blends of these materials. Composite materials may also be formed by incorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the various polymer materials discussed above. In some examples, the plate 300 e may also be formed from polymer foam materials. Accordingly, a variety of different materials may be utilized in manufacturing the projection plate 300 e, depending on the desired properties of the sole structure 200 e. The midsole 220 e may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 e with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the projection plate 300 e and the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a to provide cushioning to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 e as the midsole 220 e translates towards the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e.

Referring to FIG. 21, a cross-sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19 shows the particulate matter 350 residing within the cavity 240 e between the midsole 220 e and the outsole 210 e. The example shows projection plate 300 e partially extending into the cavity 240 e from the inner surface 214 e of the outsole 210 e and the apertures 2000-2006 extending through the surfaces of the projection plate 300 e that expose the inner surface 214 e. The particulate matter 350 may partially or entirely fill the volume of the cavity 240 e between the bottom surface 222 d and the inner surface 214 e or the projection plate 300 e. The distance the projection plate 300 e extends away from the inner surface 214 e corresponds to a height of the interior walls of the projection plate 300 e that define the depth of the apertures 2000-2006. Accordingly, particulate matter 350 residing below the depth one of the apertures 2000-2006 is restricted from migrating to an adjoining aperture. However, particulate matter 350 that resides above the depth of the apertures 2000-2006 is permitted to migrate between adjoining apertures if un-occupied space exists within the cavity 240 e. In some configurations, the midsole 220 e, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the insole 228 supporting the bottom surface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 e. In these configurations, the insole 228 may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 e to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 e.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 f includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 f attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 f, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 f may include the outsole 210 f and the midsole 220 f arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 f therebetween. The outsole 210 f includes an interior surface 214 f disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 f than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 f includes a bottom surface 222 f disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 f than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 f opposes the inner surface 214 f to define the cavity 240 f therebetween. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 f and the inner surface 214 f to define a depth of the cavity 240 f.

In some implementations, projections 300 f extend into the cavity 240 f to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support and limit movement of a tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 a during use of the footwear 10 f. The projections 300 f may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. FIG. 23 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 f showing the projections 300 f extending in a direction from the inner surface 214 f of the outsole 210 f toward the bottom surface 222 f of the midsole 220 f. In this implementation, the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) is disposed on the projections 300 f that extend from the inner surface 214 f of the outsole 210 f. The tufted casing 400 may be sized and shaped to substantially conform to the outline of the midsole 220 f and the outsole 210 f. In some examples, the projections 300 f are arranged in repeating rows and each projection 300 f is equally spaced apart from adjacent projections 300 f. In other examples, the projections 300 f are arranged in alternating, repeating rows. The midsole 220 f may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 f with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the tufted casing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 f to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 f.

The tufted casing 400 may be formed from a flexible material. In one configuration, the tufted casing 400 is formed from a mesh material. Additionally or alternatively, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from a nylon material. Thus, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from the flexible material, the mesh material, and/or the nylon material. Optionally, the tufted casing 400 may be formed from any suitable material that allows the received particulate matter 350 to conform to the sole structure 200 f, such as surface profiles of the inner and bottom surfaces 214 f, 222 f, respectively, as well as the contour of the sidewall 230. In some configurations, the midsole 220 f, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and tufted casing 400 containing the particulate matter 350.

A first end 402 of the tufted casing 400 resides proximate to the heel portion 16 and a second end 404 of the tufted casing 400 resides proximate to the forefoot portion 12 when the casing 400 is received by the cavity 240 f on the projections 300 f The tufted casing 400 may be formed by tufting, joining, or fastening portions of material together to define tufted regions or pockets 440 each filled with a corresponding quantity of particulate matter 350. The pockets 440 may extend along the length of the casing 400 between the first end 402 and the second end 404 as well as between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20, respectively, of the sole structure 200 f In some examples, each pocket 440 includes approximately the same quantity of particulate matter 350, while in other examples, at least one of the pockets 440 includes a different quantity of particulate matter 350. For instance, it may be desirable to include a greater quantity of particulate matter 350 within pockets 440 located proximate to the heel portion 16 to increase the level of soft-type cushioning at the heel area of the foot. The pockets 440 may restrict the corresponding quantities of particulate matter 350 from migrating to adjoining pockets. However, some movement of particulate matter 350 may be permitted within the corresponding pockets 440 to provide fluid cushioning during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 f. In other words, the pockets 440 are effective to prevent the loss of cushioning in areas of the sole structure 200 f caused by particulate matter 350 migration during repeated compressions of the sole structure 200 f but may permit movement of the particulate matter 350 within each pocket 440.

Referring to FIG. 24, a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22 shows the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 f and on the projections 300 f extending from the inner surface 214 f FIG. 24 shoes the projections 300 f supporting the tufted casing 400 and the projections 300 f being spaced from the midsole 220 f when the sole structure 200 f is not under an applied load (i.e., the sole structure 200 f is at rest). Compressing the sole structure 200 f, however, may cause the bottom surface 222 f of the midsole 220 f, in cooperation with the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350, to translate toward the outsole 210 f and into contact with one or more of the projections 300 f Here, the projections 300 f may compress while contacting the bottom surface 222 f as the particulate matter 350 located within the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 compresses during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 f As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-type cushioning while compressibility by the projections 300 f may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the projections 300 f and the particulate matter 350 residing within the tufted casing 400 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 f that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the projections 300 f are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 f performs). In some configurations, the midsole 220 f, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide closer contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the particulate matter 350 disposed within the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 f In these configurations, a surface of the casing 400 opposing the bottom surface of the foot may correspond to a flexible stroble that allows the particulate matter 350 residing in the pockets 440 to conform to the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 f.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27, an article of footwear 10 g is provided and includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 g attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 g, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 g may include the outsole 210 g and the midsole 220 g arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 g therebetween. The outsole 210 g includes an interior surface 214 g disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 g than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 g includes a bottom surface 222 g disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 g than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 g opposes the inner surface 214 g to define the cavity 240 g therebetween. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 g and the inner surface 214 g to define a depth of the cavity 240 g.

Projections 300 g extend into the cavity 240 g to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support a cushioning layer 500 and the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 g during use of the footwear 10 f. The projections 300 g may be formed from the one or more polymer foam materials that form the projections 300 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. FIG. 26 provides an exploded view of the article of footwear 10 g showing the tufted casing 400, the cushioning layer 500, and the projections 300 g extending in a direction from the inner surface 214 g of the outsole 210 g toward the bottom surface 222 g of the midsole 220 g. The tufted casing 400 and the cushioning layer 500 may each have a length extending through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions 12, 14, 16, respectively, and a width between the lateral and medial sides 18, 20, respectively. The tufted casing 400 and the cushioning layer 500 may be sized and shaped to substantially conform to the outline of the midsole 220 g and the outsole 210 g. The cushioning layer 500 may rest between, and may be in contact with, the distal ends of the projections 300 g and the tufted casing 400 when the sole structure 200 g is assembled. The cushioning layer 500 may include a contouring structure that forms a plurality of ridges 510 located along surfaces of the cushioning layer 500 to define a so-called egg-crate shape. The cushioning layer 500 may be formed from one or more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate or polyurethane. Each projection 300 g may be aligned with a corresponding ridge 510 of the cushioning layer 500 that opposes the outsole 210 g. The midsole 220 g may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 g with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the tufted casing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 g to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 g.

Referring to FIG. 27, a cross-sectional view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25 shows the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 and the cushioning layer 500 received within the cavity 240 g on the projections 300 g extending from the inner surface 214 g of the outsole 210 g. FIG. 27 shows each ridge 510 of the cushioning layer 500 opposing the outsole 210 g and being supported by a corresponding one of the projections 300 g extending into the cavity 240 g from the inner surface 214 g. The pairs of ridges 510 and projections 300 g located within the cavity 240 g may cooperate to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. For example, the pairs of ridges 510 and projections 300 g may compress against each other under load to provide a spring-effect that dampens the magnitude of the impact on the foot. In some examples, voids between pairs of ridges 510 and projections 300 g may be filled with particulate matter 350. In addition to the resilient compressibility provided by the pairs of ridges 510 and projections 300 g, the particulate matter 350 disposed within the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 compresses during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 g. As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-type cushioning while compressibility by the projections 300 g may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the projections 300 g, the cushioning layer 500, and the particulate matter 350 residing within the tufted casing 400 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 g that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the projections 300 g are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 g performs). In some configurations, the midsole 220 g, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the tufted casing 400 containing the particulate matter 350.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 h includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 h attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 h, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 h may include the outsole 210 h and the midsole 220 h arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 h therebetween. The outsole 210 h includes an interior surface 214 h disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 h than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 h includes a bottom surface 222 h disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 h than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 h opposes the inner surface 214 h to define the cavity 240 h therebetween. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 h and the inner surface 214 h to define a depth of the cavity 240 h.

In some implementations, the sole structure 200 h includes a cushioning layer 500 h and particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240 h. Referring to FIG. 29, a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28 shows the cushioning layer 500 h disposed on the inner surface 214 h of the outsole 210 h and the quantity of particulate matter 350 disposed between the cushioning layer 500 h and the bottom surface 222 h of the midsole 220 h when the sole structure 200 h is not under an applied load (i.e., when the sole structure 200 h is at rest). In some examples, the cushioning layer 500 h includes a slab of polymer foam sized and shaped to occupy a portion of empty space within the cavity 240 h. Here, a gap between the cushioning layer 500 h and the bottom surface 222 h defines a remaining portion of empty space within the cavity 240 h that receives the particulate matter 350. In some examples, the particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) slightly over fills (e.g., stuffs) the remaining portion of empty space within the cavity 240 h to permit the particulate matter 350 to substantially occupy the area enclosed between the sidewall 230, the bottom surface 222 h of the midsole 220 h, and the cushioning layer 500 h (other than voids between individual beads of particulate matter 350). The midsole 220 h may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 h with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 h to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 h.

During gradient loading of the sole structure 200 h, the midsole 220 h may translate toward the outsole 210 h as the particulate matter 350 compresses between the midsole 220 h and the cushioning layer 500 h. Here, the cushioning layer 500 h compresses resiliently between the outsole 210 h and the midsole 220 h. The cushioning layer 500 h, together with the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) residing on the cushioning layer 500 h, may cooperate to enhance functionality and enhance cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, when the sole structure 200 h is under load, the particulate matter 350 compressing may provide a level of soft-type cushioning during an initial impact of a ground-reaction force while compressibility of the cushioning layer 500 h may occur after the initial impact to provide responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the particulate matter 350 and the cushioning layer 500 h residing in the cavity 240 h may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 h that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the cushioning layer 500 h compresses, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 h performs).

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, in some implementations, an article of footwear 10 i includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 i attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 i, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 i may include the outsole 210 i and the midsole 220 i arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 i therebetween. The outsole 210 i includes an interior surface 214 i disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 i than the ground-engaging surface 212. The midsole 220 i includes a bottom surface 222 i disposed on an opposite side of the midsole 220 i than the footbed 224. The bottom surface 222 i opposes the inner surface 214 i to define the cavity 240 i therebetween. The sidewall 230 may separate the bottom surface 222 i and the inner surface 214 i to define a depth of the cavity 240 i.

In some implementations, the sole structure 200 i includes a fluid-filled chamber 600 and particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240 i. In some examples, the fluid-filled chamber 600 defines an interior void that receives a pressurized fluid and provides a durable sealed barrier for retaining the pressurized fluid therein. The pressurized fluid may be air. A wide range of polymer materials may be utilized to form the fluid-filled chamber 600. In selecting the polymer materials, engineering properties, such as tensile strength, stretch properties, fatigue characteristics, and dynamic modulus, as well as the ability of the materials to prevent the diffusion of the fluid contained by the chamber 600 may be considered. Exemplary materials used to form the fluid-filled chamber 600 may include one or more of thermoplastic urethane, polyurethane, polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane.

Referring to FIG. 31, a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30 shows the fluid-filled chamber 600 disposed on the inner surface 214 i of the outsole 210 i and the quantity of particulate matter 350 disposed between the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the bottom surface 222 i of the midsole 220 i when the sole structure 200 i is not under an applied load (i.e., when the sole structure 200 i is at rest). In some examples, the fluid-filled chamber 600 is sized and shaped to occupy a portion of the empty space within the cavity 240 i. Here, a gap between the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the bottom surface 222 i defines a remaining portion of empty space within the cavity 240 i that receives the particulate matter 350. In some examples, the particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) slightly over fills (e.g., stuffs) the remaining portion of empty space within the cavity 240 i to permit the particulate matter 350 to substantially occupy the area enclosed between the sidewall 230, the bottom surface 222 i of the midsole 220 i, and the fluid-filled chamber 600 (other than voids between individual beads of particulate matter 350). The midsole 220 i may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 i with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the cavity 240 i to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 i.

During gradient loading of the sole structure 200 i, the midsole 220 i may translate toward the outsole 210 i as the particulate matter 350 compresses between the midsole 220 i and the fluid-filled chamber 600. Here, the fluid within the fluid-filled chamber 600 compresses between the outsole 210 h and the midsole 220 h. The fluid-filled chamber 600, together with the quantity of particulate matter 350 (e.g., foam beads) residing on the fluid-filled chamber 600, may cooperate to enhance functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides. For example, when the sole structure 200 i is under load, the particulate matter 350 compressing may provide a level of soft-type cushioning during an initial impact of a ground-reaction force while compressibility of the fluid contained by the fluid-filled chamber 600 may occur after the initial impact to provide responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the particulate matter 350 and the fluid-filled chamber 600 residing in the cavity 240 i may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 i that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the fluid contained by the fluid-filled chamber 600 compresses, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 i performs).

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, an article of footwear 10 j is provided and includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 j attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 j, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 j may include an outsole 210 j and the midsole 220 i of FIGS. 30 and 31 arranged in the layered configuration and defining the cavity 240 i therebetween. The sole structure 200 j also includes the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the particulate matter 350 disposed within the cavity 240 i. In other implementations, the bottom cushioning member 500 h of FIGS. 28 and 29 may be disposed on the inner surface 214 i in place of the fluid-filled chamber 600.

Referring to FIG. 33, a cross-sectional view taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32 shows the fluid-filled chamber 600 disposed on the inner surface 214 i of the outsole 210 j and the quantity of particulate matter 350 disposed between the fluid-filled chamber 600 and the bottom surface 222 i of the midsole 220 i when the sole structure 200 j is not under an applied load (i.e., when the sole structure 200 j is at rest). Where the outsole 210 i of FIGS. 30 and 31 includes the substantially flat ground-engaging surface 212, FIG. 33 shows the outsole 210 j of the article of footwear 10 j including a ground-engaging surface 212 j that defines a series of bottom ridges or projections 213 j that extend away from the cavity 240 i and into contact with the ground surface. Here, the ground-engaging surface 212 j may permit the outsole 210 j to bend and flex as the sole structure 200 j rolls for engagement with the ground surface during use of the footwear 10 j.

The projections 213 j may act as so-called pistons during use of the article of footwear 10 j, as the projections 213 j may move toward the midsole 220 i under an applied load, thereby urging the particulate matter 350 toward the midsole 220 i. Because the midsole 220 i is formed from a flexible material, as described above with respect to the article of footwear 10 i, such upward movement of the projections 213 j and particulate matter 350 may be felt at the bottom surface of the user's foot to provide the user with noticeable and responsive cushioning during use. Such cushioning may be tailored by positioning the projections 213 j at predetermined locations along the outsole 210 j and/or by adjusting the relative size of the projections 213 j. For example, the heel portion 16 may include larger projections 213 j and/or a greater density of projections 213 j than the forefoot portion 12 to provide increased upward movement of the particulate matter 350 during a heel-strike event.

Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, an article of footwear 10 k is provided and includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 k attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 k, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

The sole structure 200 k may include an outsole 210 k and the midsole 220 f of FIGS. 22-24 arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 k therebetween. Referring to FIG. 35, a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34 shows the outsole 210 k as including a ground-engaging surface 212 k defining a series of bottom ridges or projections 213 k extending away from the cavity 240 k and an inner surface 214 k disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 k than the ground-engaging surface 212 k and defining a series of top ridges or projections 215 k that extend into the cavity 240 k.

The bottom ridges 213 k are substantially identical to the bottom ridges 213 j of FIGS. 32-33 and, thus, extend into contact with the ground surface to permit the outsole 210 k to bend and flex as the sole structure 200 k rolls for engagement with the ground surface during use of the footwear 10 k. The top ridges 215 k extend into the cavity 240 k to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support and limit movement of the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 k during use of the footwear 10 k. In addition, the top ridges 215 k may be aligned with respective ones of the bottom ridges 213 k such that a load applied at the bottom ridges 213 k is directly transmitted to a corresponding top ridge 215 k, thereby providing a load path between the outsole 210 k and the tufted casing 400.

The tufted casing 400 is described above with reference to FIGS. 22-24, and includes the first end 402 residing proximate to the heel portion 16 and the second end 404 residing proximate to the forefoot portion 12 when the casing 400 is received by the cavity 240 k on the top ridges 215 k defined by the inner surface 214 k of the outsole 210 k. The casing 400 may include the pockets 440 containing equal or different quantities of the particulate matter 350. Where the outsole 210 f of FIGS. 22-24 includes the projections 300 f extending into the cavity 240 f from the inner surface 214 f, FIG. 35 shows the top ridges 215 k of the inner surface 214 k extending into the cavity 240 k in place of the projections 300 f to support the casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 in an effort to provide response-type cushioning for the foot during use of the footwear 10 k. The responsive-type cushioning is further enhanced by providing a direct load path from the top ridges 215 k to the respective bottom ridges 213 k when the midsole 220 f and tufted casing 400 cooperate to apply a load on outsole 210 k at the top ridges 215 k during use.

FIG. 35 shows the top ridges 215 k supporting the tufted casing 400 and being spaced from the midsole 220 f when the sole structure 200 k is not under an applied load (i.e., the sole structure 200 k is at rest). Compressing the sole structure 200 k, however, may cause the bottom surface 222 f of the midsole 220 f, in cooperation with the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350, to translate toward the outsole 210 k and into contact with one or more of the top ridges 215 k defined by the inner surface 214 k. Here, the top ridges 215 k may compress while contacting the bottom surface 222 f as the particulate matter 350 located within the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 compresses and moves during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 k.

The outsole 210 k may be formed form a resilient-type material to provide response-type cushioning when the top ridges 215 k compress in the same manner as the projections 300 f of FIGS. 22-24. As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-type cushioning. Accordingly, the top ridges 215 k and the particulate matter 350 residing within the tufted casing 400 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 k that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the top ridges 215 k are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 k performs). As described above, the midsole 220 f may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 f with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the tufted casing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 k to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 k. In some configurations, the midsole 220 f, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the tufted casing 400 containing the particulate matter 350.

Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, an article of footwear 10 l is provided and includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 l attached to the upper 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear 10 with respect to the article of footwear 10 l, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. The sole structure 200 l may include an outsole 210 l and the midsole 220 g of FIGS. 25-27 arranged in the layered configuration and defining a cavity 240 l therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 37, a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 36 shows the outsole 210 l as including a ground-engaging surface 212 l defining a series of bottom ridges 213 l extending away from the cavity 240 l and an inner surface 214 l disposed on an opposite side of the outsole 210 l than the ground-engaging surface 212 l and defining a series of top ridges 215 l that extend into the cavity 240 l. The bottom ridges 213 l are substantially identical to the bottom ridges 213 j of FIGS. 32-33 and, thus, extend into contact with the ground surface to permit the outsole 210 l to bend and flex as the sole structure 200 l rolls for engagement with the ground surface during use of the footwear 10 l.

The top ridges 215 l extend into the cavity 240 l to provide cushioning for the foot as well as to support a cushioning layer 500 l and the tufted casing 400 containing particulate matter 350 residing in the cavity 240 l during use of the footwear 10 l. The tufted casing 400 and the cushioning layer 500 l may be sized and shaped to substantially conform to a perimeter of the midsole 220 g and the outsole 210 l. The cushioning layer 500 l may rest between, and may be in contact with, the distal ends of the top ridges 515 l of the inner surface 214 l of the outsole 210 l and the tufted casing 400 when the sole structure 200 l is assembled.

The cushioning layer 500 l may include a contouring structure that forms a plurality of bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 515 l located along surfaces of the cushioning layer 500 l to define a so-called egg-crate shape. In one configuration, the bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 515 l are aligned with respective ones of the bottom ridges 213 l and top ridges 215 l of the outsole 210 l to provide a direct load path from the tufted casing 400 to the ground during use. The cushioning layer 500 l may be formed from one or more polymer foam materials, such as ethyl-vinyl-acetate or polyurethane. Each top ridge 215 l of the outsole 210 l may be aligned with a corresponding bottom ridge 510 l of the cushioning layer 500 that opposes the outsole 210 l. Each top ridge 515 l of the cushioning layer 500 l may oppose and contact a corresponding pocket 440 of the tufted casing 400. As described above, the midsole 220 g may be formed from the flexible material forming the midsole 220 of FIGS. 1-3 to provide the midsole 220 g with sufficient flexibility, thereby allowing the particulate matter 350 received within the tufted casing 400 and residing in the cavity 240 l to interact with the profile of the bottom surface of the foot during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 l.

FIG. 37 shows each bottom ridge 510 l of the cushioning layer 500 l opposing the outsole 210 l and being supported by a corresponding one of the top ridges 215 l of the inner surface 214 l extending into the cavity 240 l. The corresponding pairs of bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 215 l located within the cavity 240 l may cooperate to provide resilient compressibility under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. For example, the pairs of bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 215 l may compress against each other under load to provide a spring-effect that dampens the magnitude of the impact on the foot. In some examples, voids between pairs of bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 215 l may be filled with particulate matter 350. In addition to the resilient compressibility provided by the pairs of bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 215 l, the particulate matter 350 disposed within the pockets 440 of the tufted casing 400 compresses and moves during gradient loading of the sole structure 200 l. As discussed above, compressibility by the particulate matter 350 may provide a soft-type cushioning while compressibility by the bottom ridges 510 l and top ridges 215 l may provide a responsive-type cushioning. Accordingly, the outsole 210 l, the cushioning layer 500 l, and the particulate matter 350 residing within the tufted casing 400 may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear 10 l that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the ridges 310 l, 315 l, 510 l, 515 l are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear 10 l performs). In some configurations, the midsole 220 g, or a portion thereof, may be removed to provide direct contact between the bottom surface of the foot and the tufted casing 400 containing the particulate matter 350.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for the sole structure for an article of footwear described above.

Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising an upper and an outsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween and a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The first series of projections being spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The second series of projections extend into the cavity from the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface, the second series of projections having a different height than the first series of projections and being spaced apart from the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.

Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface is the inner surface, the quantity of particulate matter being disposed around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections.

Clause 3: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in the first direction.

Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in the first direction.

Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the tapered, outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface.

Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections are disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.

Clause 8: The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein the first series of projections extend farther from the one of the inner surface and the bottom surface than the second series of projections.

Clause 9: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clause, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.

Clause 10: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beads include a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 11: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the foam beads include at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections are spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

Clause 14: An article of footwear comprising an upper and an outsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The inner surface including a first series of projections extending in a direction toward the upper and a second series of projections extending toward the upper and having a different height than the first series of projections. The midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween, the bottom surface spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections. The quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.

Clause 15: The article of footwear of Clause 14, wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the outsole toward the midsole.

Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the outsole toward the midsole.

Clause 17: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 18: The article of footwear of Clause 17, wherein the tapered, outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the bottom surface of the midsole.

Clause 19: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections are disposed proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections are disposed proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.

Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the first series of projections extend farther from the inner surface of the outsole than the second series of projections.

Clause 21: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.

Clause 22: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beads include a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 23: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 24: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein the foam beads include at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 25: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections are spaced apart from one another by a void disposed proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

Clause 26: An article of footwear comprising an upper and a midsole having a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The bottom surface including a first series of projections extending in a direction away from the upper and a second series of projections extending away from the upper and having a different height than the first series of projections. The outsole attached to the upper and including a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The inner surface opposing the bottom surface of the midsole, cooperating with the bottom surface to define a cavity therebetween, and spaced apart from the first series of projections and the second series of projections. The quantity of particulate matter is disposed within the cavity.

Clause 27: The article of footwear of Clause 26, wherein the first series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the midsole toward the outsole.

Clause 28: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second series of projections include a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction extending from the midsole toward the outsole.

Clause 29: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections include a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 30: The article of footwear of Clause 29, wherein the tapered, outer surface terminates at a rounded, distal end of each projection that opposes the inner surface of the outsole.

Clause 31: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections oppose a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections oppose a forefoot portion of the outsole.

Clause 32: The article of footwear of Clause 31, wherein the first series of projections extend farther from the bottom surface of the midsole than the second series of projections.

Clause 33: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the particulate matter includes foam beads.

Clause 34: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beads include a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 35: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beads include approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 36: The article of footwear of Clause 33, wherein the foam beads include at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 37: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first series of projections and the second series of projections are spaced apart from one another by a void that opposes a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

Clause 38: A method of making an article of footwear, the method comprising providing a cavity between a footbed and an outsole and providing one of the footbed and the outsole with a first series of projections that extend into the cavity in a first direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole, the first series of projections being spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole and providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with a second series of projections that extend into the cavity in the first direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole, the second series of projections being spaced apart from the other of the footbed and the outsole and having a different height than the first series of projections and providing the cavity with a quantity of particulate matter.

Clause 39: The method of Clause 38, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections.

Clause 40: The method of Clause 39, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of particulate matter includes providing the quantity of particulate matter around a base of the first series of projections and around a base of the second series of projections.

Clause 41: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections includes providing the first series of projections with a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole.

Clause 42: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the second series of projections includes providing the second series of projections with a cross-sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the other of the footbed and the outsole.

Clause 43: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing the first series of projections and the second series of projections with a constantly tapered outer surface.

Clause 44: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing the first series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole.

Clause 45: The method of Clause 44, wherein providing the first series of projections proximate to a heel portion of the outsole and the second series of projections proximate to a forefoot portion of the outsole includes extending the first series of projections farther from the one of the footbed and the outsole than the second series of projections.

Clause 46: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of particulate matter includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads.

Clause 47: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads having a substantially spherical shape.

Clause 48: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that include approximately the same size and shape.

Clause 49: The method of Clause 46, wherein providing the cavity with the quantity of foam beads includes providing the cavity with a quantity of foam beads that include at least one of a different size and shape.

Clause 50: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein providing the one of the footbed and the outsole with the first series of projections and the second series of projections includes providing a void between the first series of projections and the second series of projections proximate to a mid-foot portion of the outsole.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a casing comprising: a casing top surface opposing the upper; and a casing bottom surface defining a first divider that extends between a medial side and a lateral side of the article of footwear and protrudes toward the casing top surface; a plurality of foam beads disposed within the casing; and an outsole comprising: an outsole top surface secured to the casing bottom surface and a ground-engaging surface, the outsole top surface and the ground-engaging surface each being contoured upward to define a first groove that extends at least partially between the medial side and the lateral side of the article of footwear and is aligned with the first divider.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first divider terminates within the casing such that a gap extends between the first divider and the casing top surface.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear includes a forefoot portion, a mid-foot portion, and a heel portion, the first divider and the first groove being located at the forefoot portion.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the casing bottom surface further defines a second divider offset from the first divider, the second divider extending between the medial side and the lateral side of the article of footwear and protruding toward the casing top surface.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the second divider is located at the mid-foot portion of the article of footwear.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper defines an interior void configured to receive a foot, the interior void receiving an insole defining a footbed.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the casing is transparent.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a midsole disposed between the casing and the upper and comprising a sidewall disposed at a rear tip of a heel region of the article of footwear, the sidewall being secured to the upper and to the casing.
 9. An article of footwear comprising: an upper component; a casing secured to the upper component, the casing comprising: a top wall; and a bottom wall defining a plurality of laterally extending dividers that protrude upward within an interior cavity defined by the casing towards the top wall of the casing to define locations separated by the laterally extending dividers, at least a portion of the laterally extending dividers being offset from the top wall to define a gap between each laterally extending divider and the top wall of the casing; a plurality of foam beads disposed within the interior cavity and operable to migrate between the locations within the interior cavity of the casing via the gaps; and an outsole secured to the casing opposite of the upper component and comprising a plurality of laterally extending grooves aligned with the plurality of laterally extending dividers.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein at least one of the laterally extending dividers and at least one of the laterally extending grooves are located at a forefoot region of the article of footwear.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the casing is substantially filled with the plurality of foam beads.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the casing is transparent.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the plurality of laterally extending grooves define flexion regions for the outsole.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the outsole is further secured to the upper component at a tip of a forefoot region of the article of footwear.
 15. An article of footwear comprising: an upper comprising one or more textiles; a foam midsole secured to the upper and comprising a footbed and an opposing bottom surface, the footbed and the upper defining an interior void; a transparent casing comprising: a top wall secured to the bottom surface of the foam midsole; and a bottom wall comprising a first laterally extending divider that protrudes toward the top wall and is offset from the top wall by a first gap, the first gap being less than a second gap defined between the top wall and the bottom wall at a location adjacent to the first laterally extending divider; a plurality of foam particulates disposed within the transparent casing; and an outsole secured to the bottom wall of the transparent casing and comprising a first laterally extending groove located adjacent to the first laterally extending divider.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the bottom wall of the transparent casing further defines a second laterally extending divider protruding toward the top wall and the outsole comprises a second laterally extending groove located adjacent to the second laterally extending divider.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the transparent casing further comprises a protrusion extending from the bottom wall to the top wall.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the transparent casing is substantially filled with the plurality of foam particulates.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the first laterally extending groove defines a flexion region for the outsole.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the outsole is further secured to the upper at a tip of a forefoot region of the article of footwear. 